The dynamic of China's rise in the world economy is complex and contradictory, characterised by both dependency and growing economic strength. What seems to be guiding the Chinese ruling class is a long-term, strategic, and competitive orientation to diversify and fortify a domestically rooted industrial base, extend the country's international economic and financial reach, and strengthen military capabilities, but to do so without provoking the United States. Given this trajectory, could China evolve into an imperialist power?
